Fiji, July 24 -- Japan and Solomon Islands have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and work closely ahead of the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11) in 2027, following talks between Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Copper Wale in Tokyo on Thursday.

Prime Minister Takaichi congratulated Prime Minister Wale on assuming office in May and welcomed his visit to Japan shortly after taking office, saying it reflected the importance he places on traditional partners, including Japan.

She said Japan wanted to deepen cooperation with Solomon Islands, describing the country as "a friend connected by the Pacific Ocean and sharing values such as freedom, democracy, the rule of law, a...